With U.S. labor scarce, logistics firms turn to remote forklifts

An undated handout photo of remote operated forklift developed by ArcBest Corp and Phantom Auto obtained by Reuters on January 18, 2022. Phantom Auto/Arcbest/Joseph White/Handout via REUTERS

DETROIT (Reuters) - With labor shortages straining the supply chain, big U.S. logistics companies ArcBest and NFI Industries plan to deploy thousands of forklifts that can be operated remotely.

Startup Phantom Auto, which makes the remote-control forklifts, will get a double benefit from the supply chain sector's accelerating investments in automation. ArcBest and NFI said in a statement on Wednesday they will also join a $42 million investment round in Phantom.